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News Release
| For Immediate Release |
Art comes to life in Fort Worth Zoo's newest creation
Zoo solidifies efforts to save amphibians and reptiles with 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art complex
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FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Fort Worth Zoo's Board of Directors and Executive Director are thrilled to introduce the Zoo's new $19-million, 30,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor herpetological facility, which houses more than 100 amphibian and reptile species, representing more than 850 animals.
The new facility, dubbed the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), includes spacious, humidity-controlled exhibits and state-of-the-art conservation tools, such as quarantine rooms and hibernaculums that facilitate the breeding of rare, endangered and critically endangered animals. In response to the recent global amphibian crisis (32 percent of the world’s amphibians are facing extinction in the next five to 10 years), the Fort Worth Zoo prioritized housing, research and breeding amphibians in a building specifically designed to meet the animals’ needs. Some biologists liken the global amphibian crisis to the mass extinction of the dinosaur.
Open encounter areas encourage discussion and education and allow guests to come face-to-face with exotic reptiles such the Fiji Island iguana or the Puerto Rican crested toad. Complete with educational programming and correlating activities such as backpack tours and keeper chats, MOLA will also share messages of environmental stewardship with guests, students and teachers throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
“We are very excited about bringing some of the most exotic, colorful and unique creatures in the world to Fort Worth. While our old Herpetarium was a longtime favorite, guests will be able to come face to face with these animals and engage in ways that they’ve never been able to before. MOLA will also provide an opportunity to continue the Zoo’s extensive conservation work locally and globally,” said Zoo Executive Director Michael Fouraker.
The Zoo’s new Herpetarium represents the only one of its kind in the nation —impressive not only for the diverse and rare animal collection it houses, but also for its rare architecture and building design.
“The building’s design incorporates the latest concepts in efficient energy use and use of sustainable materials,” said Gary Lee, senior principal of CLR Design, Inc. “MOLA encourages visitors to explore art from the living world, and is literally the next generation of zoo architecture and habitat design.”
MOLA replaces the Zoo’s old Herpetarium built in 1960. Although the world renowned facility witnessed many first-time breedings over the last 50 years, time took its toll, and major sections of the 9,000-square-foot building were in complete disrepair (collapsed plumbing, sub-par holding facilities, no quarantine areas, outdated electrical support), creating conditions that challenged future breeding and conservation efforts.
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For Further Information Contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org
Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org
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